Thomas France, Employee of the Year, and TRI Business & Career Center, Member Agency of the Year, were among several award recipients honored during NYSID's Annual Meeting

Kumi Tucker, WNYT NewsChannel 13 anchor, once again served as Annual Meeting emcee. This year’s theme was #EmploymentEmpowers.

More than 100 community residents throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties are benefiting from meaningful employment and wages on NYSID Preferred Source opportunities through TRI.

For more than 50 years, TRI’s placement department has helped individuals with disabilities identify personal and professional goals and trained them for success, a dedication to changing lives through the power of work.

In a recent success story, TRI partnered with American Maintenance at Nassau Community College, a large 24/7 contract employing more than 20 individuals with disabilities in a demanding, fast-paced environment. TRI individuals enjoy the high profile work associated with Nassau Community College and other Preferred Source customers, and the resulting opportunities for growth and recognition for their jobs well done.

The Employee of the Year, Thomas France, is proof positive of how TRI Preferred Source employment opportunities change lives. After years of poor personal choices and low-paying menial work, he was referred to TRI for vocational training and support. Jumping into an intensive training program in custodial maintenance over several months, he soon built up both his job capabilities and soft skills.

Tommy was then selected for the important janitorial services contract at Nassau Community College, a collaboration between TRI and American Maintenance, where he is considered a leader among his peers.

“What I liked about TRI is they give people a second chance, and it was all about opportunity,” Tommy said. “I really never had it like I have it now, and opportunity consists of not just being in the job and working every day. It’s connecting with the right people, networking with the right people that can further me as a person. Because of that, I’m in a good place today.”

“You can see by his example that [Tommy] is in charge of his life now,” said TRI Director Andrew Cohen. “He has a job that pays very well and he feels like a productive member of society.”

During NYSID’s Annual Meeting, individuals employed on Preferred Source contracts, not-for-profits, small businesses, New York State agencies and municipal agencies were all recognized for their work to create jobs for New Yorkers with disabilities.